MARKETS Network Events
Over the past few years, the MARKETS Innovative Training Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, has fostered academic growth and professional development among early-stage researchers (ESRs). Spanning multiple locations and complemented by online seminars during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MARKETS network has actively explored and discussed themes around informality, governance, and socio-economic practices in the post-Soviet space.
Istanbul, Turkey (15-21 June, 2022)
The series of MARKETS events kicked off in Istanbul, providing ESRs with essential training in career strategies, intellectual property rights, ethics, gender, and research integrity. Sessions included practical workshops on personal branding, social media engagement, and non-academic writing. ESRs also had the opportunity for direct interaction with associate partners, fostering valuable collaborations and networking.
Tbilisi, Georgia (29 November - 3 December, 2022)
In Tbilisi, researchers dove deep into qualitative research methods including content and discourse analysis, alongside a hands-on workshop on grant proposal writing. An insightful meeting with Giorgi Khelashvili, a member of the Georgian Parliament, provided a unique perspective on regional challenges. The event concluded with a cultural immersion in picturesque Sighnaghi, enhancing intercultural understanding and team building.
Leuven, Belgium (26-30 March, 2023)
The Leuven meeting, organized by KU Leuven and UCL, centered around informality and tax evasion. It featured vibrant discussions on career development, resisting traditional career planning, and brainstorming sessions on informality concepts. The highlight was a visit to Brussels with a tour of the European Parliament, including meetings with MEP Cindy Franssen and EU officers, providing ESRs insights into policy-making processes at the EU level.
Helsinki, Finland (22-24 October, 2023)
In Helsinki, the Aleksanteri Institute hosted discussions on area studies and governance challenges in the post-Soviet region. Special sessions featured Finland’s Roving Ambassador for Central Asia, focusing on the EU’s regional role. Workshops emphasized crafting policy-relevant papers and designing strategic academic career paths, providing ESRs practical skills for future professional growth.
Bremen, Germany (25-28 March, 2024)
The Bremen workshop at the Research Centre for East European Studies was dedicated to preparing ESRs for post-PhD careers, exploring opportunities both within and outside academia. Interactive sessions included publishing strategies, career path planning, and one-on-one thesis helplines. Visits to Bremen's historic sites enriched the program culturally and socially.
Online Seminars (2021-2022)
Complementing physical meetings, MARKETS facilitated two sets of comprehensive online seminars:
Spring 2021: Weekly sessions introducing ESRs’ research proposals, emphasizing ethics, integrity, and collaborative feedback mechanisms.
Bi-monthly (March-June 2022): Intensive thematic discussions and presentations, covering a broad range of ESRs' research topics, from informal governance in Russia to entrepreneurship and labour markets in Central Asia, fostering a robust academic exchange.
Through these diverse, engaging events, the MARKETS PhD network not only advanced scholarly insights into emerging market dynamics but also empowered early-career researchers with vital professional and academic skills.